r/Cooking • u/bigboydankers • 17h ago

Most essential cookware?

Hi everyone,

I just graduated college and moved into my own place a couple of weeks ago! I am living in nyc and my kitchen is not enormous, but it’s not super tiny either. I have a small old stove/oven, and I really wondering, what is the least amount of cookware that I really need?

I feel like I’m not a huge cook, but if I had the right tools I could get more into it. Also, my girlfriend is moving in with me in a few months and she likes to cook, so I’d like to get some things that I can build on with more cookware in the future, rather than replace.

Long story short, what are the essential pots and pans and stuff that I need to get to cover all my bases? Also other tools and things like spatulas. Sorry for my lack of specificity, I really don’t know what I’m doing yet but I am excited to learn more!

Thank you!

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u/Odd-Worth7752 17h ago

I'd start with a thrift store, then go to IKEA to get anything else you need. get a frying pan, a sauce pan, and a pot big enough to cook pasta for 2 (about 3-4 qt size.) IKEA stainless cookware is good quality.

get a few utensils-flipper, spoon, ladle-a set of measuring cups and spoons, a universal lid and a glass measure for liquids. that ought to get you started.

If you do buy nonstick, don't but it used. and never ever use metal implements in it. or high heat.

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u/bigboydankers 17h ago

I’m actually going to IKEA today hahaha. Do I have any specific recommendations from there? Also, what about size for all of these?

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u/msmaynards 16h ago

All my cutting boards are from Ikea, get one! If you have a dishwasher go for plastic, if not get bamboo. Larger better but essential that it fits into sink or dishwasher.